‘Unmatched’ number of Asheville, NC officers have resigned – WBTW

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP)– Thirty one police officers in the western North Carolina city of Asheville have resigned from the force considering that June.

Police Chief David Zack toldThe Person Times on Thursday that the number is “extraordinary.”

The resignations total up to loss of more than one sworn officer for every 10 in the force of 283– or 13% of the force. The numbers do not take into consideration retirements.

Zack attributed the departures to a lack of assistance and a “really singing” opposition to police following the death of a Black male in Minneapolis police custody previously this year.

But proponents of a regional motion to defund cops state department must consider what’s behind their outrage.

“Its difficult how a story of victimization has actually been stripped from the true victims, their families and the neighborhood that has actually suffered centuries from fatal state violence,” said Ria Young, a Black homeowner of the city.

The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked protests throughout the country and in Asheville. Demonstrations in the city saw 12 police officers and at least one protester get hurt.

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